Riot Games, JioBLAST Team Up for VCT 2027 Kickoff Open Qualifiers
Riot Games teams up with JioBLAST for the VCT 2027 Kickoff Open Qualifiers in South Asia. Find out how to enter and the tournament schedule.
The competitive gaming scene in South Asia is about to get a massive boost. Riot Games has officially partnered with JioBLAST to organize the VCT 2027 Kickoff Open Qualifiers in South Asia, providing a high-stakes platform for regional teams to fight for a spot on the global stage.
This tournament serves as a critical gateway for both emerging and established VALORANT teams. The ultimate prize? Two coveted slots at the Kickoff APAC, marking the beginning of the season-opening competitive pathway for the 2027 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT).
The Road to Kickoff APAC: Tournament Format
The competition is structured to ensure only the most skilled teams advance, split into two distinct phases:
The Open Qualifiers
Running from November 17 to November 20, the Open Qualifiers will utilize a Swiss-stage format. This grueling initial phase will filter through the entrants to identify the top eight teams who will earn their place in the Playoffs.
The Playoffs
The action intensifies from November 23 to November 29 during the Playoff stage. Using a double-elimination format, the competition will narrow down until the final two teams are decided. These two winners will secure their tickets to the Kickoff APAC.
Eligibility and Registration Details
Aspiring pros need to act fast if they want to participate. The deadline for team entries is November 13. Interested teams can submit their applications via the official portal at jioblast.com/vctsakickoff.
However, not everyone can enter. To maintain a high level of competition, Riot Games and JioBLAST have set strict eligibility criteria:
- Rank Requirement: All participating players must hold a minimum current rank of Ascendant 1.
- Other Requirements: Players must also adhere to specific age, residency, and account guidelines as detailed in the official tournament rules.
Voices from the Partnership
The collaboration signals a growing commitment to the South Asian esports ecosystem. Charlie Cowdrey, CEO of JioBLAST, emphasized the importance of creating pathways for new talent.
“At JioBLAST, we believe the future of esports depends on creating meaningful opportunities for emerging talent to compete, prove themselves and progress to the global stage,” Cowdrey stated. He noted that the extension of BLAST's global relationship with Riot Games into India reflects a commitment to strengthening the region's competitive landscape.
Anushka Bhatnagar, Publishing Lead for Riot Games India and South Asia, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the accessibility of the new format.
“The VCT 2027 competitive format marks an exciting step forward in making VALORANT Esports more accessible and creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring players across South Asia,” Bhatnagar said.
How to Watch the Action
For fans and analysts looking to follow the journey of South Asia's best, the Playoffs will be broadcast across multiple platforms. Viewers can tune in via:
- The official JioBLAST YouTube channel.
- The official VALORANT YouTube channel.
- JioTV.
Further updates and detailed information regarding the tournament will be shared through the official VALORANT Esports and JioBLAST communication channels.